Episode 1: The Offer
The Tadokoros & The Strange People of L.A.
Characters
The Tadokoro Family
Kenichi: The ex-lead actor of a Hollywood film. Despite his past glory, he has the presence of a ghost. Seamlessly blends into the background.
Kayo: Kenichi’s wife. A legendary Hollywood powerhouse and a merciless health-freak. She rules the family and manages Kenichi’s life down to his daily blood pressure.
Toshiki: Kenichi and Kayo’s son. A brilliant Tokyo University student, but a hopeless mama's boy at heart.
Cindy Goldberg: Toshiki’s girlfriend. An international student at Tokyo University and Kayo’s dedicated disciple. She is overly enthusiastic about everything.
Episode 1: The Offer
One day, an email landed in my inbox.
Sender: Hollywood AI Summit 2027
"What's this?" I muttered.
I clicked it open.
Dear Mr. Tadokoro,
We would like to invite you as a keynote speaker at the Hollywood AI Summit 2027.
Your experience in using AI for creative content and your work in Hollywood has inspired many in our industry.
We would be honored if you could share your insights on “AI and the Future of Filmmaking.”
Date: March 15-17, 2027
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
Please let us know your availability.
Best regards,
Hollywood AI Summit Committee
I stared at the screen.
The Hollywood AI Summit. It was a massive, renowned event in the industry.
And they wanted me for the keynote speech.
"Well... this is huge."
Right then, Kayo peered over my shoulder from behind.
"What are you looking at?"
"Oh, this."
Kayo skimmed the screen.
"Hollywood AI Summit?"
"Yeah. They want me to give a speech."
"Hmm. When?"
"Next month. March 15th to 17th."
"In Los Angeles."
"Yeah."
Kayo paused, thinking for a moment.
"Are you going?"
"I don't know... what do you think?"
"You should go."
"But..."
"But what?"
"You know, it's a big crowd. I'll get nervous..."
Kayo shot me a look of pure exasperation.
"You literally starred in a movie filmed in Hollywood, and you're nervous about a speech?"
"That was acting. This is different..."
She shook her head, sighing. "Fine. If you're going, I'm going too."
"Huh? Why?"
"Blood pressure management. If you go alone, you’ll definitely skip your meds."
"...Right. Thanks." I nodded weakly.
That evening, Toshiki came over to the house. Cindy was with him.
"Dad, Mom, we're home," Toshiki said.
"Welcome back."
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Tadokoro!" Cindy greeted us with her usual bright, beaming smile.
"Ah, Cindy. Come on in," Kayo said, pouring some tea. "So, what brings you two here today?"
Toshiki looked at me. "Actually, Dad..."
I decided to tell them about the email.
"The Hollywood AI Summit?" Toshiki’s eyes widened. "And they want you to speak?"
"Yeah. Apparently."
"That's amazing, Dad!"
"Well, I suppose..."
Cindy’s eyes practically sparkled. "Los Angeles! That’s my hometown!"
"Oh, that's right."
"If you’re going to L.A., you absolutely should meet my family!" Cindy said, bursting with excitement. "My parents would love to meet you!"
Toshiki nodded along. "That sounds like a great idea. It's a rare opportunity."
"But..." I hesitated.
Kayo chimed in from the side. "It’s a perfect opportunity. Let's do it."
"Are you coming too, Mom?" Toshiki asked.
"Of course I am. Someone has to manage Kenichi’s health."
"Figures," Toshiki laughed.
Cindy cheered. "Awesome! I’ll arrange everything!"
"Thank you, Cindy," Kayo replied with a graceful smile.
I let out a quiet sigh.
Back to L.A. again...
And now I have to meet Cindy's family...
I have a bad feeling about this.
A few days later, I sent my reply to the AI Summit committee.
I would be honored to speak at the summit.
A response came back almost instantly.
Excellent! We look forward to having you.
And then, another email arrived.
Sender: Steven Schpieger
"...Schpieger?"
I opened it.
Kenichi,
I heard you’re coming to LA for the AI Summit.
Let’s have dinner. I want to catch up.
And bring Kayo. The actresses here still talk about her.
Steven
"...They still talk about Kayo?"
A wave of complex emotions washed over me.
Of course. It’s always about Kayo, isn't it?
I showed the email to her. "It's from Schpieger."
"Oh?" Kayo read through the text. "Dinner?"
"Yeah. He says the actresses are still talking about you."
"I see." Kayo remained completely unfazed. "Well, it would be nice to see him again after all this time."
"...Yeah." I forced a small smile.
Yep. Looks like I’m going to be the extra again.
The next day, a LINE message popped up from Cindy.
Cindy: Can’t wait for L.A.! My mom is so excited to meet you guys. Oh, and I’m definitely taking you to my uncle’s café! It’s a bit of a strange place, but it’s super interesting!
"Your uncle's café?"
Kayo peeked at my phone from the side. "What is it?"
"Cindy says her uncle runs a café in L.A."
"Oh, really?"
"Apparently, it's a 'strange place'."
"Well, since we're there, we might as well check it out," Kayo replied flatly.
For some reason, a cold dread crept into my stomach.
A strange place...
What kind of place could it possibly be?
A few weeks later, we were at Narita Airport.
Kenichi, Kayo, Toshiki, and Cindy. The four of us, bound for L.A.
"Alright, shall we go?"
"Yes." Kayo double-checked the passports. "Kenichi, did you pack your blood pressure medication?"
"Yes, I did."
"What about your supplements?"
"Got 'em."
"Check again to make sure."
"...Yes, ma'am." I rifled through my bag.
Toshiki chuckled next to us. "Dad, you never change."
"...Quiet, you."
Cindy smiled warmly. "Mrs. Tadokoro, I’ll help you manage him in L.A.!"
"Thank you, Cindy," Kayo nodded, thoroughly satisfied.
I let out one last, small sigh.
A double-management system... L.A. Edition.
Lord, help me.
We walked through the boarding gate. Destination: Los Angeles.
A new adventure was about to begin.
